Early Life and Education
Hooshang Seyhoun was born on August 22, 1920, in Tehran, Iran. He was an acclaimed Iranian architect, painter, and educator who also served as the former dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran. Coming from a family deeply rooted in music, Seyhoun’s grandfather, Mirza Abdollah Farahani, was a pioneer of Persian classical music, often referred to as the father of Iranian traditional music. His mother, Moloud Khanom, was a skilled player of the tar and setar, while his uncle, the renowned musician Ahmad Ebadi, was a master of the setar. His former wife, Ma’soumeh Seyhoun, was a painter and the founder of Seyhoun Art Gallery in Tehran.
After completing his architecture studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, Seyhoun was invited by André Godard, then head of Iran’s Department of Archaeology, to continue his education in Paris. He attended the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (Bouzart) and studied under the tutelage of Otello Zavaroni, completing his studies within three years. In 1949, he earned a doctorate in fine arts.
Seyhoun later spent more than two decades in Vancouver, Canada, where he resided until his passing. He was also an honorary citizen of France. Throughout his career, he held a prominent academic position at the University of Tehran and even served as the dean of its Faculty of Fine Arts.
Return to Iran and Career Beginnings
Upon returning to Iran in 1949, Hooshang Seyhoun began teaching at the University of Tehran’s Faculty of Fine Arts. As a forward-thinking architect, he embarked on designing and constructing numerous historical and cultural landmarks, blending traditional Persian elements with modernist influences.
Notable Works of Hooshang Seyhoun
Seyhoun’s architectural masterpieces not only left a lasting impact on Iran but also gained international recognition. Below are some of his most significant works:
- Mausoleum of Avicenna (Hamedan)
At the age of 25, shortly after returning to Iran, Seyhoun designed his first major architectural project— the Mausoleum of Avicenna. In 1945, following a national design competition, Seyhoun’s proposal was selected with the endorsement of André Godard and Mohsen Foroughi. The construction was completed in 1954, and in 1997, it was designated as a national heritage site of Iran.
Blending modern and Persian architectural elements, the mausoleum’s towering stone columns symbolize Iran’s traditional architecture. The twelve columns surrounding the structure represent the twelve astrological signs, a nod to ancient Persian cosmology. The tomb’s geometric and monumental form is a testament to Seyhoun’s artistic ability to harmonize Persian heritage with contemporary architectural styles.
- Mausoleum of Omar Khayyam (Neyshabur)
The Mausoleum of Omar Khayyam, completed in 1962, is one of Seyhoun’s most extraordinary designs. It pays tribute to the celebrated Persian poet, philosopher, and mathematician, Omar Khayyam. The structure incorporates local materials and traditional Persian architectural styles while maintaining a modernist aesthetic.
The mausoleum’s design features an intricate geometric network of interlocking triangles that create a mesmerizing symmetry. These geometric patterns symbolize Khayyam’s deep mathematical insights and philosophical reflections, making the structure a poetic representation of the legendary scholar.
- Mausoleum of Kamal-ol-Molk (Neyshabur)
Seyhoun also designed the mausoleum of Kamal-ol-Molk, one of Iran’s most renowned painters. Inspired by Persian artistic traditions, this monument features carefully crafted geometric patterns and traditional materials such as stone and tilework.
- Mausoleum of Nader Shah Afshar (Mashhad)
The Mausoleum of Nader Shah Afshar in Mashhad stands as another remarkable contribution by Seyhoun. Designed to commemorate the powerful Persian ruler and military strategist, the structure embodies Nader Shah’s warrior spirit and resilience.
Built with sturdy local stone, the mausoleum signifies strength and endurance. A striking statue of Nader Shah atop a horse dominates the structure, symbolizing his leadership and military prowess.
Hooshang Seyhoun: The Architect of Enduring Monuments
Hooshang Seyhoun earned the title “The Architect of Enduring Monuments” due to his profound influence on Persian architecture. Throughout his career, he designed numerous landmark structures, leaving a legacy that beautifully merges traditional Persian motifs with modernist principles. His architectural philosophy emphasized deep respect for the historical and cultural context of each project.
Seyhoun was a prominent member of Iran’s National Archaeology Council, the Supreme Council of Urban Planning, and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to UNESCO. For 15 years, he was responsible for the restoration of Iran’s historical monuments, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
His body of work includes a diverse range of projects, such as:
- Memorial monuments for figures like Omar Khayyam, Kamal-ol-Molk, Avicenna, Nader Shah Afshar, and Colonel Mohammad Taqi-Khan Pessian.
- Public and institutional buildings, including Tomb of Ferdowsi (Toos Museum, 1968) and the Bank Sepah Headquarters in Tehran’s Toopkhaneh Square.
- Industrial and commercial projects, including Iran’s National Cartography Organization, Kourosh Spinning Factory, Morshedi Flour Mill, and Zamzam Soft Drink Factory.
- Cinemas and educational institutions, such as Asia Cinema, Central Cinema, and Yaghchiabad Educational Complex.
Architectural Style and Philosophy
Seyhoun was a strong advocate of logical and functional design. He believed that every architectural element, no matter how small, should serve a purpose. He emphasized balance, proportion, and simplicity, arguing that decorative embellishments are ineffective if the fundamental structure lacks aesthetic harmony.
He was also a visionary designer who embedded deep philosophical and cultural meanings into his creations. For instance, his 1960 design for the Mausoleum of Omar Khayyam was based on mathematical and astronomical principles that reflected Khayyam’s expertise in these fields.
Impact on Iranian Architecture
Hooshang Seyhoun played a transformative role in shaping modern Iranian architecture. As a professor at the University of Tehran, he mentored many young architects, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the integration of tradition and innovation.
He was among the pioneers of a hybrid architectural approach, demonstrating that Persian architectural heritage could be reinterpreted in a contemporary and globally relevant manner. His legacy remains a source of inspiration for architects seeking to honor their cultural roots while embracing modern design principles.
Hooshang Seyhoun: The Painter and Artist
Beyond architecture, Seyhoun was also a gifted painter who depicted Iranian landscapes and village life. His artworks were showcased in international exhibitions, including a 1972 exhibition at the University of Massachusetts, where his paintings were displayed alongside masterpieces by Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
His unique painting technique, known as “Linear Abstraction,” featured complex, parallel, and intertwining lines that never intersected— a symbolic reflection of interconnected yet independent artistic expressions.
Today, institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Berkeley house collections of Seyhoun’s paintings, preserving his artistic contributions alongside his architectural legacy.
Death and Legacy
Hooshang Seyhoun passed away on May 26, 2014, at the age of 93 in Vancouver, Canada, due to an aortic rupture. In his will, he requested the establishment of a foundation in his name, managed by his children Maryam and Nader Seyhoun, to safeguard his architectural drawings and paintings. He also wished for his works to be donated to a museum in Iran for public appreciation.
His remarkable career and visionary approach continue to inspire architects, artists, and cultural historians worldwide, ensuring that his influence endures for generations to come.
